Foreword: Why JLW Blog Series

As part of our Why JLW series, we highlight the journeys of members who found connection, growth, and purpose within the Junior League of Washington (JLW). Every journey to the League is different, but the heart behind each one is the same: a desire to leave the world better than we found it. Every JLW member has a story — a story of what brought them here, what keeps them engaged, and what inspires them to serve. Whether it’s the pursuit of friendship, a passion for service, the desire to uplift others, or the search for a community to call home, each journey is unique, yet all are connected by a shared commitment to making a difference.

The Why JLW blog series celebrates these personal stories, moments of transformation, resilience, hope, and belonging. Through reflections from our members, you will see the many ways JLW fosters connection, growth, leadership, and impact — not just within the League, but across Washington, DC. These are stories of new beginnings, lifelong friendships, renewed purpose, and the powerful joy that comes from serving something larger than ourselves. Together, they reveal what makes JLW so much more than the sum of its projects or events: it’s the people, the passion, and the unwavering belief that we are stronger when we serve, grow, and dream together.

We invite you to step into these stories. See the many paths that have led our members here — and perhaps find a piece of your own story in theirs. A reminder that in JLW, there is always a place for you.

In JLW Service,

Dr. Amna Choudry

Publications Chair 2024-2025

Why JLW: Jacqueline Frederick-Maturo

Committee and Position: 2025-2026 President-Elect; 2024-2025 Officer on the Board of Directors: Secretary 

By: Ljubitca Fadic

With a legacy of volunteerism in her family, Jacqueline Frederick-Maturo felt a deep calling to give back to a city that had given her so much. After hearing from friends about the impact of the Junior League of Washington (JLW) and its strong network of women leaders, she knew she had found the right place. “As President-Elect Christina Babcock always says, I joined for service, and stayed for the community,” Frederick-Maturo shared.

The Kitchen Tour Steering Committee at the VIP Garden Party, which was held at the Woodrow Wilson House in May 2019.

Overlooking the 2019 Kitchen Tour VIP Garden Party at the Woodrow Wilson House.

One of the most memorable moments for Frederick-Maturo came in 2019–2020 while serving as Co-Chair of the Kitchen Tour Committee, now known as Art of Entertainment. She and her Co-Chair, Summer Bravo, went all-in to create an unforgettable experience. “We built an 18 ft-long grazing table at Holiday Shops to promote the event and collaborated with 15 local, minority-owned businesses to secure beautiful stops for the tour,” she explained. While the event was ultimately canceled due to the pandemic, the experience showcased the power of teamwork and community partnership. “Even though it never happened, the relationships and spirit we cultivated were lasting and deeply meaningful,” she shared. 

Kitchen Tour Co-Chairs, Summer Bravo & Jackie Frederick-Maturo, next to their epic 18 ft-long grazing table at Holiday Shops in December 2019.

Kitchen Tour Co-Chairs, Summer Bravo & Jackie Frederick-Maturo, at Holiday Shops in December 2019.

Celebrating Holiday Shops’ 60th Anniversary at Dock 5 – Union Market

That community spirit has extended beyond committee work. “[Some] of my closest friends came from JLW—we even have a ‘JLW Besties’ group,” she said. The friendships, which started during a volunteer shift at the National Book Festival in 2014, have grown so close that even their spouses are now friends. “The JLW is what you make of it. If you lean in, the connections and support you’ll build are incredible.”

The JLW 2021-2022 Board of Directors attending Tossed & Found in March 2022. 

The Membership Development Council’s leadership celebrating a successful League year at then Council Director, Jackie Frederick-Maturo’s garden in May 2022.

JLW has also been a catalyst for Frederick-Maturo’s professional growth. “I would not be the leader I am today without the League,” she said. Through JLW’s Development & Training (D&T) programs, like Get on Board and Leadership Institute, she gained formal training in communications, change management, and team leadership. Further, she successfully advocated for financial support from her employer to cover her membership dues, emphasizing the professional development opportunities offered by the League would be directly applicable to her role. “Each training would cost hundreds of dollars in the private sector. The return on investment is immeasurable.”Her employer covers her JLW dues because of the League’s professional development opportunities. 

Secretary, Jackie Frederick-Maturo, together with her colleague, Phoebe Cooke, at Women’s Leadership Breakfast in 2023. Jackie’s firm, Sands Capital Management, sponsors a table every year.

As President-Elect-Elect (2024-2025) , Frederick-Maturo is looking ahead to expanding those development opportunities for others. She is especially inspired by recent efforts like the Mentorship Task Force, which aims to bridge junior and veteran members. “If we invest more in the development of women, imagine the compounding impact on our community. It’s inspiring.”

The then- Esprit Chair, Jackie Frederick-Maturo, hosting a ‘Night at the Opera’ Esprit event in partnership with BravO, the Kennedy Center’s young professional group.

At the heart of her commitment is a deep alignment with the League’s mission of advancing women’s leadership for meaningful community impact. “Few organizations have invested in women’s development at this level—and for over 112 years,” she said. “[JLW] prepares women to be leaders and change-makers. It is more than service—it is leadership in action.”

For those considering joining the League, her advice is clear: “Lean into your commitments and take initiative. Don’t wait for someone to tap you. Go seek out leadership opportunities yourself. The tools, the network, and the support are all here.”

Whether it’s planning a major fundraiser, mentoring new members, or championing professional development, Frederick-Maturo exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose. “The Junior League of Washington gave me the skills, confidence, and community to thrive—not just as a volunteer, but as a leader in all aspects of life.”

Why JLW:Mary Reich

By:  Mary Reich

Edited by: Lacy Nelson and Amna Choudy

Finding Community Again: How Junior League Helped Me Feel Connected After the Pandemic

Mary Reich is a first-year, Active member of the Junior League of Washington (JLW), where she serves on the Publications Committee. Like many others, Mary faced social challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time that also saw many of her friends and colleagues leave Washington, DC. Watching a documentary about the League led her to discover the organization that quickly became a turning point in her journey to reconnect with her community and rediscover the joy of volunteering.

“The pandemic left many of us feeling disconnected from our communities,” Reich shared. “Like many others, I struggled with isolation and a sense of disconnection, amplified by the mass-exodus of many colleagues and friends from DC as restrictions were lifted.”

While watching a documentary on the Junior League, Reich discovered that there was a large, thriving chapter right in her own backyard. She joined shortly afterward—and it changed everything. “The Junior League of Washington has become a turning point in finding my way back to the joy of volunteering and finding community with others,” she reflected.

When Reich first joined JLW, she admitted she wasn’t quite sure what to expect. However, her experiences quickly proved that JLW was much more than just a volunteer organization. “I quickly realized that JLW was a vibrant community that welcomed me with open arms,” she said. “The pandemic had shown me how much I missed human connection, and JLW gave me the chance to rebuild it in a meaningful way, and learn to enjoy in-person engagement again.”

Through group walks, game nights, committee meetings, garden parties, and more, Reich found connection with other like-minded women. Whether attending information sessions or participating in service projects, she embraced the League’s focus on social impact. “It allowed me to discover the joy of giving back to a city that had been a place I lived, but had not yet been home due to the pandemic,” she shared.

Getting outside with ESPRIT in local meet-ups has been one of the best ways to get to know other members!

One of the most powerful aspects of Reich’s JLW journey has been the friendships formed. “I often hear stories from experienced members about meeting their best friends and bridesmaids in the League,” she said. “But what really strikes me is the ease and enthusiasm with which every member seems to approach a conversation, even with a complete stranger—connected only by JLW.”

Some of Reich’s favorite recent memories include refreshing, heartfelt, and funny conversations at League events with women I had never met before. Though she jokes she hasn’t met her bridesmaids just yet, she feels confident that she has found something equally valuable: “I know I’ll always find open arms and minds, and a chance to reconnect with others and with my community—the Junior League of Washington, DC.”

Reich reflects that joining JLW isn’t just about volunteering—it’s about finding your people, building community, and creating a home in the heart of Washington, DC.

Reich’s story reminds us that even in moments of disconnection, new beginnings are possible. Through JLW, she found not just a place to volunteer, but a community that offered friendship, purpose, and a sense of belonging. Her journey is a beautiful reflection of Why JLW — because when we come together, we don’t just serve; we find home, hope, and each other.

Why JLW: Bridget

By: Ljubica Basica and Ljubitca Fadic

Bridget Shea Westfall, Sustainer and past Board Member, has been a dedicated member of the Junior League of Washington since 2007. She was first introduced to the League as a collegiate member of Zeta Tau Alpha Women’s Fraternity, where she learned about JLW’s mission and impact.

Bridget and her sons, Jameson and Patrick Westfall

After college, Westfall joined AmeriCorps VISTA in St. Louis. During that time, she noticed how many nonprofit CEOs she encountered were Junior League volunteers. “It was the first real glimpse into how the League shaped women into leaders in philanthropy and civic engagement,” she shared. Motivated by this realization, she prioritized joining JLW after relocating to Washington, DC.

Bridget poses with a wreath in preparation for the holiday season

Since becoming a member, the League has played a central role in Westfall’s personal and professional life. “JLW friendships go beyond just social events—they are the women who have supported me through life’s biggest moments,” she said. Early on, she formed a close group of League friends and launched a wine club that lasted nine years. Today, she stays connected through activities like mahjong, pickleball, book club, and golf.

Bridget and JLW members catch up over dinner

Though the friendships have been deeply meaningful, Westfall was initially drawn to JLW’s commitment to literacy. “It continues to be one of the causes closest to my heart,” she noted. Her passion stems from her work as a school social worker and deputy juvenile officer where she saw how essential literacy is for student success. “Literacy remains a passion of mine today, from my volunteer work with new Afghan arrivals and Latinx families from Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador in my neighborhood to seeing my sons benefit from literacy programs for elementary students such as Book Buddies and Wright to Read.”

Bridget volunteering with JLW at the National Book Festival

Among her many placements, her time with Esprit stands out. “Esprit was my favorite JLW placement,” she shared. When her federal office dissolved, this network became a crucial support system. “With the dissolution of my federal office, I’ve leaned heavily on my Esprit friends, who have been my support system—checking in on me, sending job opportunities, lifting me up when I needed it most, and reminding me of my strengths. They pushed me to be my best self and live out our shared values every day. JLW gave me not just a place to serve, but a cohort of women who believe in me, and that has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my time in the League.”

Ready for spring, Bridget wears her best hat at a garden party

Her service with the League has also helped her grow professionally. “Serving on the JLW Board as the Strategic Sustainability Council Director and creating the League’s first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) toolkit helped me develop as a manager, supervisor, and senior leader in my agency,” she stated. Westfall sees how JLW’s mission—promoting voluntarism, developing women, and improving communities—is closely aligned with her values. “My Catholic faith calls me to serve others, particularly the most vulnerable, and my professional work has focused on creating opportunities and support systems for children, youth, and families in need,” she said. “The League has given me an additional platform to serve with purpose, alongside other women who share a passion for making a tangible impact in our communities.”

Bridget at another volunteering event for JLW

For those considering membership, Westfall offers this advice: “The more effort you put in, the more rewarding your experience will be.” She also encourages trying both in-league and community placements to gain a well-rounded perspective. What sets JLW apart, she says, is the exceptional caliber of its members. “The women you meet in JLW are go-getters—highly accomplished, community-focused, and incredibly well-organized. The League isn’t just about volunteering; it’s about strategic planning, leadership development, and operational excellence,” she shared.

Bridget with JLW friends taking in the festive atmosphere

Among other volunteer settings, JLW remains her gold standard. “I’ve volunteered elsewhere and often found myself thinking, ‘This ain’t JLW.’ That speaks to the high caliber of training and leadership development the League provides.” Her roles as Assistant Council Director, Chair, Vice Chair, and Board Member have prepared her for challenges across all aspects of life. “Through my roles… I’ve gained skills that have prepared me for every professional challenge—from leading teams and managing budgets to even balancing the demands of parenting and running a household. JLW doesn’t just shape volunteers—it builds leaders for life.”

A family affair–Bridget’s sons await the start of a committee meeting at Loughborough House